Changes in graft thickness after skull defect reconstruction with autogenous split calvarial bone graft

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Autogenous bone is the preferred material for primary skull defect reconstruction.
• Long-term data on the volumetric stability of these bone grafts are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term changes in thickness of autogenous split calvarial bone grafts used for skull reconstruction.
• To assess graft stability and volumetric changes over time.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of computed tomographic (CT) scans from 15 patients who underwent skull reconstruction with autogenous split calvarial bone grafts.
• Measurement of graft thickness at the recipient and donor sites using time-series CT images.
• Statistical analysis using a polynomial random coefficient model.

Main Results:

• Skull defect reconstruction using autogenous split calvarial bone grafts resulted in maintained or increased graft thickness over time.
• Mean graft thickness increased by 1.24-fold between 6 months and 1 year, and 1.56-fold between 2 and 3 years post-surgery.
• No decrease in graft thickness was observed in either the donor or recipient sites.

Conclusions:

• Autogenous split calvarial bone grafts demonstrate excellent long-term volumetric stability for skull reconstruction.
• These findings support the use of autogenous bone grafts for cranial defect repair, showing favorable maintenance and even hypertrophy over time.